If you’re not already aware, animals like mice, rabbits, rats and guinea pigs are put through great pain. They have substances dripped into their eyes, shoved down their throats and smeared on their skin. You guessed it — PAIN, BURNING, ITCHING. Than they are killed. And for what? Shampoo, mascara and other cosmetics.

I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t there already safe ingredients that cosmetic manufactures could use? Yes! Can’t cosmetic companies use natural and organic ingredients that would completely eliminate their “need” for animal testing? Double yes!

So why do they continue to test on animals? I for one would love to hear their answers and how they would justify torturing and killing a living being.

I’m a firm believer that animals are not ours to abuse, hurt, torture or injure in any way or for any reason. With the knowledge and ingredients that are out there today, this is a completely unnecessary practice.

I don’t know when we became a society that believes it’s ok to take another living being and hurt it. I read about the angora rabbits and cried so hard seeing the horrifying pictures and reading about the torture these animals go through. When did it become ok to rip the fur from live bunnies, only to throw them back in a cage and do it all over again once their fur grows back? (Warning – the photo on angora rabbit link will shock you.) Yes, another completely unnecessary practice and all for the sake of fashion.

But I’ve regressed and I don’t want to take away from the highlight of this piece. It seems that the world is becoming increasingly aware of the unnecessary need for animals testing and pushing for their countries to ban it once and for all.

I sign petitions, tweet stories and support animal right groups that I’ve mentioned in this piece. I hope that you will take a moment to do the same.